FORT MYERS, Fla. – Blue-green algae alerts have been issued by the Department of Health across Lee County, including areas of Downtown Fort Myers. These blooms aren’t usually common on the Fort Myers side of the river.
Dr. Barry Rosen of the FGCU Water School explained what could be causing this increase in algal blooms.
“The blue-green algae like freshwater,” said Dr. Rosen. “However, they can tolerate a little bit of salt water, and if they’re flowing down the Caloosahatchee, they could be blooming anywhere in the very long Caloosahatchee River.”
Freshwater released from Lake Okeechobee is normally a catalyst for these blooms, but the water levels in the lake aren’t high enough yet.
Dr. Barry Rosen explained that this increase in freshwater is due to an increase in flow from our local watershed. With the rainy season upon us, we can expect to see more of these blooms as the salinity of the Caloosahatchee decreases.
Dr. Barry Rosen says that, although harmful if ingested, blue-green algae doesn’t pose a respiratory threat like red tide does.
“Unless we’re drinking the water which we typically are not drinking this water, there really is no issue for people,” said Dr. Rosen.
But he recommends not letting pets or children swim in the water to minimize the risk of ingestion.
“Your pets will get it on their fur, and they will lick it, and if it has toxin, they will get a very high dose,” said Dr. Rosen.